Chris Woolman • July 27, 2020

Your Timeline to Success

Your Timeline to Success

As a small business owner, I’m often asked, “How long were you in business before you made a profit?” My answer is a clear, factual, and not all that enlightening: “It doesn’t happen overnight.” Can I be more specific? Nope! It all depends on your ability and the market you are located in.


You will need to decide how fast you want to and can grow while still offering exceptional service. Then, map out how you will perform that level of service and stick to the plan.


Think of the tortoise and the hare story. You could do a ton of wholesale or low-end work making very little profit on each job and be very busy, or you can do high-quality work at a fair price.


Maybe you won’t’ be busy every day, but you will have time to focus on marketing and those clients that desire your skills. You may make the same money per year doing either one of those plans, but only one will leave you room to grow both your business and your lifestyle. Remember, detailing is a lifestyle business, and when built correctly and given enough time, will offer you both an income and a life you can be proud of. You can build it fast if you like, but beware that a fast-paced build-up could also burn you out. The more organized and well planned out your business is, the faster you can experience success.

Blank white screen.

Detailing Success Blog

By Becky Lecompte February 12, 2026
Training Week at Detailing Success In Big Bear, CA.
By Becky Lecompte February 2, 2026
Mobile Tech Expo 2026 Recap: Education, Innovation, and Community Done Right
By Becky Lecompte January 28, 2026
JANUARY 2026
By Becky Lecompte January 28, 2026
MTE 2026 BOOTH # 2130
Man wearing sunglasses and a black cap, smiling, and looking at the camera.
By Renny Doyle June 4, 2024
We've all been there: yearning for that universal thumbs up, the constant validation. But here's the deal: the quest for everyone's approval is a recipe for disappointment.
Group of people pose in a mountain setting, most wearing hats. Sunny, blue sky.
By Chris Woolman May 31, 2024
Facing Your Fears and Crushing Your Goals: How The Detail Mafia’s Leadership Challenge Can Transform Your Business Mindset
Four men standing in a garage with arms around each other and a red car in the background.
By Renny Doyle April 30, 2024
Your Dreams Don’t Have to Make Sense to Anyone But You!
By Chris Woolman April 29, 2024
Detail Mafia Warbird Revival 2024
Renny Doyle podcast episode 198: man wiping surface with blue cloth; inset of man wearing goggles and holding microphone.
By Chris Woolman April 18, 2024
Renny Doyle Podcast 198: Dan Burros from Stinger Chemicals
Man sprays and wipes the side of a red fire truck. It is labeled
By Renny Doyle April 16, 2024
Just Say “No” - The Art of Setting Boundaries
Three men pose in front of a plane with
By Renny Doyle April 2, 2024
How Shifting Your Focus From “Me” to “We” Can Transform Your Life
Renny Doyle podcast episode 197: Man with chin on hand, thought bubble with cartoon of a person. Dark red background.
By Chris Woolman March 22, 2024
Renny Doyle Podcast 197: Q&A Show!
Show More